LIVE NUDE GIRLS 25¢. Peep Shows were a phenomenon as common to Times Square as slot machines to Las Vegas. Live Nude Girls became the neon community catchphrase. We visit Roger K as he creates the technology in his private laboratory at Show World.

THE TOAST OF BROADWAY. A lightweight contender in the 1920s, Manny Rosen worked in the kitchen of the Stage Delicatessen for 32 years—in charge of making toast. But he also wrote “King Heroin” for James Brown, after losing his daughter to heroin. He became the right-hand man of Bob Anthony, “Mr. Burlesk,” in the…

The Catholic Church Vs. Times Square.
Three priests of Holy Cross Church witnessed the rise and fall of Times Square. Father Robert Rappleyea, pastor during the era of porn, saw the human condition reach bottom. He put up a bold front.

COPPING A FEEL IN TIMES SQUARE. Show girls, moonlighting nurses, pickpockets and members of a fake marriage ring. Live Nude Girls 25¢ was the neon community catchphrase, and it was all about fast cash.

Innocent victims of adversity. That’s how Uncle Lou, a geologist turned chauffeur, saw many of the girls in Times Square, who affectionately called him Uncle. His scrapbook documents an era of burlesque queens and porn starlets, whom he remains loyal to decades after their careers ended.

Podcast Reviews

Josh Kept The Tapes!

November 15, 2018 by CTSAKIS from United States

I’ve been a Josh Alan Friedman fan for many years. The man is a great writer and incredible musician, blessed with a keen eye able to dissect the most harrowing situation and extract the humor. I am so glad HE KEPT THE TAPES and that he followed “Tales of Times Square” with tales of his dead heroes. PLEASE DO MORE.

Season 2

September 21, 2018 by Michael Zagst from United States

Season 2 opens with a bang, shot right out of a cannon. I look forward to the next episodes.

An amazing treasure trove of pop culture history

September 20, 2018 by Bob Deis from United States

Josh Alan Friedman is an exceptionally insightful story teller, writer, interviewer and pop culture historian (on top of being a great musician). His TALES OF... series features excerpts from interview tapes he used for articles and books he's written, illuminated with newly-recorded commentary. It's an amazing treasure trove of American pop culture history. The list of fascinating people Josh has known, interviewed and written about is awe-inspiring. Listening to his conversations with and stories about them is mind-blowing. I highly recommend this podcast -- and Josh's book and albums.

Pre-Giuliani Times Square

February 10, 2018 by Rico_de_Pico from United States

I read the book first and loved it. Fantastic to hear the voices of old TS denizens.

Great Addition To The Book

December 8, 2017 by Beefdrippings from Canada

I loved the book back in the day and was very intrigued when I found this podcast. It does not disappoint. It's so great to actually hear these characters,legends from the book. I’m really enjoying this podcast. The way Josh presents each episode is great. Keep em coming!

Great

November 24, 2017 by ThisDJSucks from United States

The Uncle Lou story moved me to tears. Audio quality of the old recordings aside, this is essential alt history and a great companion to the wonderful Tales of Times Square book

Amazing Timecapsule Of A Lost Era of New York

November 17, 2017 by Cthulhugus from United States

This podcast offers something difference from the average podcast. It allows listeners to take a trip back to New York City that no longer exists. I went to NYC in 1996 when I was in 8th grade and I barely caught the tail end of this NYC. I remember sex workers hanging out in Times Square and the the porn theaters on 42nd Street. To be able to listen to tales from NYC during this era by the people who lived the stories, taken by Josh during the 1980's, is a rare opportunity for me to revisit the NYC of my youth. Great podcast, subscribe today!

Great Times Square / New York History Blog

October 12, 2017 by Jiggs McDonald from United States

Fantastic Blog!

One of the best writers from NYC

September 20, 2017 by Sammy Grubman from United States

Not only did I enjoy every page of this book, but I also accompanied Josh on some of his Times Square adventures back in the day. I recommend this book to everyone interested in the real, ungentrified NYC.
Herbery Asbury recorded an older era for posterity with his "Gangs of New York". Josh does the same for recent history which should not be forgotten......a NYC free of iPhone-toting morons, self-entitled swinish millenials and the other hordes of disgusting dorks who should be sent back to the suburban strip malls where they belong.

My favorite book has a podcast!

September 16, 2017 by Shore Patrol from United States

I could listen to this all day - denizens of old New York: their interviews with Josh's commentary and insight. Can't wait to hear what's coming up!

Brilliant, Not To Put Too Fine a Point on the Matter...

September 15, 2017 by Michael H. Price from United States

The book ("Tales of Times Square") is a perennial, blooming from the bookcase and often read in this household. Social Anthropology in its truest form. How very rewarding to hear those voices in Real Time... The podcast dovetails ideally with the written word. Beautiful.

Hurry...Bring on Episode 2.

September 14, 2017 by Onelisab from United States

Great True Stories documented and narrated by a Great story teller, Josh Alan. I loved reading Josh Alan's autobiographical novel "Black Cracker ". So, it is no surprise to me how much I enjoyed this 1st Episode of "Tales of Times Square". BTW, the intro music is Josh, himself, singing and strumming his guitar.

Take a walk around old Times Square

September 14, 2017 by Boobuhkarr from United States

A fascinating collection of stories from a time and place that no longer exists. Josh Alan Friedman takes you on a gritty journey to meet the kind of folks that you definitely don't want to bring home to mother -- peep show girls, burlesque dancers, mop boys, midgets, and ministers -- and peels back the stereotypes to meet the real people underneath these sordid professions.
The companion piece to his seminal book Tales of Times Square, this podcast unearths the original audio recordings of Friedman's interviews with the inhabitants of "the sleaziest block in town."
So grab a mop and a bucket, some ear muffs for the kids, and enjoy the ride back in Time(s).